Trust me, i think the ribbed hose sux too...I recently won a nice used chrome CoolFlex for the upper hose, i just am reluctant to install it now, because I'm still speculating on if i can live with the engine driven fan instead of an electric... I KNOW an electric would be better, but if it will survive without one, i hate the look fo electric fans... anyhow, i figure i'll have to take the hose off and drain the rad to change the fan, might as well drive it with the ribbed hose a bit and see if the fan needs changed... rather than do it twice. I also got a full chrome plated HEI distributor cap too, those 2 things should really dress up the top end of my SBC. Anyone know if a coolflex fits on a SBC waterneck without using any neoprene "reducers"? They look a little iffy to me... would rather not use em if i can get away with it.